Moving a Project

kyleb · Post by **kyleb** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 16:50

I'm looking at a Chief project that is a couple of hundred miles away and will need to be brought home by road.

I don't have a tow vehicle suitable for the trip (although I do have access to a suitable trailer), so I'm thinking that a rented moving truck might be the way to go.

Has anyone moved a project this way? What size truck is necessary, and what (other than the wings) needs to be removed?

Thanks,

Kyle

Post by **joea** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 17:28

Kyle,

First off, welcome on board.

Second have to laugh at your question as its going to generate a LOT of responses, including mine!

You see, I do silly things like this when moving Aeronca's:

This is a photo of my moving my first Chief, N85833 from Cochise College where it was restored to Douglas International airport in SE Arizona. We did get a lot of looks towing an airplane on its wheels on the highway!

You can move the airplane in a truck easily. We used old slings made of carpet on a jig that we made to have the wings ride leading edge down. The fuselage will fit in most larger trucks, but you may have to remove the landing gear as its pretty wide.

15A · Post by **15A** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 18:05

Kyle,

I've shipped 172's in 24 foot U-Haul trucks complete without damage. I've used Pick-up trucks with a cap to put the Cessna 120 wings on the roof and tow the fuselage backwards like a boat trailer. But if you have access to a car trailer, they work good too!

Joe

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Post by **joea** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 18:13

Kyle,

If you do move it like the above photo, pls make sure that you secure the prop from moving. It WILL rotate in the wind and thats not good. Both it adds drag and its not good for the engine.

Joe

15A · Post by **15A** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 19:10

Good point Joe!

Although I only traveled 100 miles at no more than 65 mph, that prop never moved. Must have had really good compression!!!

Joe

Post by **joea** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 20:20

Joe,

Some of the planes I have moved have been old junkers and guess the compression was a fleeting thought with them, because the first one the prop really started spinning, so we learn on that one!

Nice trailer you have, and wish I had one like it.

Joe

15A · Post by **15A** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 20:44

Joe,

Transporting planes is NOT what I do for a living!!! I've been addicted since day one. My father bought a Champ just after I was born! (double nickels this year...)

It's always a new adventure and learning curve playing with airplanes.
Thanks for the compliment on my trailer. I built that with 24' long channel iron anticipating dragging a '56 straight tail 172 home from who knows where to convert to a tail wheel. Finished the trailer and a converted '56 172 came up on-line in TAP. After much sweet-talkin' and promised 'honey-do's', I had it ferried to South East Mass. from South Dakota!

Things are too easy now a'days. All kinds of help and information right at your fingertips. Not complaining! Just different!

My wife and I flew out to Nantucket for breakfast with some other friends/pilots today. Had to park way out in the grass. Taxied past more private jets than I've ever seen in one place! Perfect weather! Not a Champ or Cub in sight. I'd say those big boys missed the boat!

aeroncafan · Post by **aeroncafan** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 21:28

I've only transported one project plane...and didn't have a problem with a windmilling prop either. My problem was a lot simpler; the project didn't have an engine!

aeroncafan · Post by **aeroncafan** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 21:31

15A · Post by **15A** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 21:35

Gulf Shores... Nantucket... or maybe that little grass strip that only a few dare go in. It's not the place, it's the people and planes that make for a great time!

drjeff · Post by **drjeff** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 22:32

Here's my first attempt to move a plane. Ray Lett from Sylacauga, AL was kind enough to loan me his trailer to go pick this one up. Ray said he has hauled a bunch of T-crafts on this trailer. He made this especailly for the T-craft I think.

The wheel spacing was a touch on the narrow side for the champ. My dad had a roll of the clear plastic wrap and went to town wrapping the prop, and windshield in order to keep road rash off of them.

The second picture was taken somewhere south of Nashville early in the morning. I thought it just looked neat!

.....oh and the looks you get from folks passing you. Most come by you fast then hit their brakes when they realize whats on the trailer and slow down for a better look. I even had a lady wake her husband up for a look. He adjusted his hat, rubbed his eyes, smiled and gave me a thumbs up. Shoot I was so proud, you'd thought it was a a first child!
JP

aeroncafan · Post by **aeroncafan** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 06:18

Cool pic of the shadow! My wife started this thing of taking pictures of our shadow as we fly along anytime she goes with me. Some turn out pretty neat.